Earthquake response — Cali & Valle del Cauca
Following the August 10 earthquake, this site is prioritising emergency and support information. Figures and shelter locations change constantly — we link to official sources rather than publish numbers that go stale. Tras el terremoto del 10 de agosto, este sitio prioriza información de emergencia y apoyo.
Live official updates
Casualty counts, shelter locations and road closures change hourly. Always check the authority directly — not social media.
- UNGRDNational disaster response — official situation reports
- Servicio Geológico ColombianoAftershock monitoring and seismic bulletins
- Alcaldía de CaliCity-level shelters, water points, service restoration
- Cruz Roja ColombianaHumanitarian aid, first aid posts, family tracing
Medical care
We maintain a list of Cali's major hospitals and trauma centres with addresses and direct emergency lines, including which accept uninsured patients.
Call ahead where you can — several facilities are operating over capacity and redirecting non-critical cases.
Hospitals, clinics & 24h pharmaciesShelter, water & aid
Municipal shelters (albergues) and water distribution points are assigned and moved by the city — we do not mirror them here, because a wrong address sends someone to an empty lot.
Missing persons
The Red Cross runs family tracing for people separated by the earthquake. Register a search or report yourself safe.
Text rather than call where possible — voice networks remain congested.
How to help
Donate money through established organisations rather than sending goods — unsolicited shipments clog the same corridors rescue crews need.
Cruz Roja Colombiana — donations
Verify any fundraiser before giving. Disaster scams follow disasters.
Foreign nationals
Contact your embassy and register your status. Several airports suspended operations after the quake — confirm before travelling to one.
Migración Colombia — documents & status
Lost passport or expired entry stamp during the emergency? Migración has guidance for disaster-affected travellers.
Aftershocks are ongoing
- Do not re-enter damaged buildings — including to collect belongings. Aftershocks bring down already-weakened structures.
- Drop, cover, hold when shaking starts. Do not run outside mid-quake; falling façades are the main injury cause.
- Check for gas. If you smell it, shut the main valve, do not use switches or flames, and get out.
- Never use lifts. Assume power can drop without warning.
- Store water whenever pressure returns — supply is intermittent across several comunas.
- Text, don't call. SMS and WhatsApp get through when voice networks are saturated.
Normal city-guide content continues below. It has not been updated for post-earthquake conditions — treat opening hours and availability as unverified.
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